In the market for a "new" car

[2_Liter_Turbo]

I'm looking at getting a "new" car to replace the honda for a DD. My criteria is the following:

1. RWD or AWD
2. Of Japanese origin
3. 4 seats min.
4. 30+ mpg (for RWD) - 27+ mpg (for AWD)
5. $3,000 to $28,000

Now, I have been mainly waiting for the new Subaru BRZ/Scion FRS to come out, as it fits what I want perfectly, and it would be nice to finally have a brand new car. However, the $350-ish/month payment plus premium insurance would be annoying, but do-able.

However, I have also been thinking of getting a used car to get me by for the next couple years, so I can have a little bit more cash to put down on a new car. That and it would give both nissan a chance to come out with a competative car, and the new subaru/scion to be refined (first year cars typically have issues).

My critera doesn't give me a lot of options honestly, but there are some cars out there. I've been pondering at getting an S14. I know they don't get exaxctly 30+ mpg, but I got damn close with my coupe w/ a KA, and got over 30 with my coupe with an SR, so it would fit decently enough, lol.

Anyways, let me know what you would do. Payments of $350 would put me at a place that I'd only have a few hundred bucks of surplus a month. So I wouldn't be able to work on stuff at a high rate of purchasing... lol.

[dre1507]

Voted FRS.

[sbird1]

I'm going to be deciding between the BRZ/FRS and a Genesis Coupe. Have you test driven or checked out any of the vehicles? I know the Genesis isn't of "Japanese origin" but it's a good car. Something to think about.

[2_Liter_Turbo]

I'm going to be deciding between the BRZ/FRS and a Genesis Coupe. Have you test driven or checked out any of the vehicles? I know the Genesis isn't of "Japanese origin" but it's a good car. Something to think about.

The Genesis is a big car. If I were to get something of that size, I'd just get a Camaro/GTO or something, lol. Not saying it's a bad car, just too big for my tastes. And no, I have not driven the BRZ, as it's not out yet, ha ha. As for 240s... I own one currently, ane owned 4 over the past 8 or so years.

[TTkickedin]

Build a dedicated track car and build a sick tow car and trailer for it.

For instance, my idea would be:
Take a s13 hatch, and turn it into a truck
Build a KA-T running meth injection (or swap a v8 in there)
Rear axle converted to a ford 8" rear and super wide wheels (17x14 in mind)
the widest wheels that can fit on the front of a s13 with modification to the wells (I'm photoshoping) weld up a hitch mount for a trailer, fabricate a trailer with nice wheels on it with airbags (no need for a ramp)
towing a track prepped s13!

There's tons of ways to spend your money. IDk, I just think that if you're really into the mechanics end of cars and not the average consumer end of things, you'd have much more fun in something YOU build.

[2_Liter_Turbo]

I have a built 240 coupe as my track car, and a 90 AWD Turbo Celica as my secondary project, lol. I'm just looking for a good DD.

[TTkickedin]

haha well if that's the case, I got an idea for you then:

1jz Cressida!

[Bubba1]

haha well if that's the case, I got an idea for you then:

1jz Cressida!

^Doesn't get 30+mpg.

Is it that important for a DD to be RWD? If you delete that requirement, there are many excellent choices out there.

[TTkickedin]

It would if you used a propane injection with it though

[300ZXttZMAN]

Problem with getting an S14 kouki is if you buy one your going to get into modding it some mods that take a couple days to complete which means OHNOO its time for a new daily hahaha

[Razi]

Pff.
The S13 is my only car and I never needed a new daily.

[2_Liter_Turbo]

haha well if that's the case, I got an idea for you then:

1jz Cressida!

^Doesn't get 30+mpg.

RWD really limits your options. Is it that important for a DD to be RWD? If you delete that requirement, there are many excellent choices out there.

I've owned a lot of FWD cars, and they just dont excite me to drive. I have to sit in this car for hours everyday, I want it to be something I enjoy.

[2_Liter_Turbo]

Pff.
The S13 is my only car and I never needed a new daily.

I DD'd my S13 for 6 years before getting a different DD. Now that it'll have 500hp, I'd rather not, lol.

[Bubba1]

I've owned a lot of FWD cars, and they just dont excite me to drive. I have to sit in this car for hours everyday, I want it to be something I enjoy.

If you're willing to accept a tad below 30mpg, and you're in the car for hours daily, you should look at an Infiniti G. Reliability reputation is excellent, it's comfortable for long drives, and it fits all the rest of your requirements.

Problem with most 30+mpg cars, they're not that comfortable after several hours.

[bigbadberry3]

FRS looks to be over hyped, get a used mustang gt.

[Razi]

FRS looks to be over hyped, get a used mustang gt.

Hyped as it may be, Toyota really put a lot of effort into it.
I could go on about the little details they put a lot of thought into but that'd make for a long post.

Anyways, modern chassis that weighs 2700lbs (fully loaded), and an engine that gets nearly 100hp per liter, is pretty impressive.

[asoomal]

It makes 150 ft.lbs torque at 6600 RPMs....and 200HP at 7000 RPMs.

-_-

[Razi]

Really?
I thought it was 197hp.

[bigbadberry3]

FRS looks to be over hyped, get a used mustang gt.

Hyped as it may be, Toyota really put a lot of effort into it.
I could go on about the little details they put a lot of thought into but that'd make for a long post.

Anyways, modern chassis that weighs 2700lbs (fully loaded), and an engine that gets nearly 100hp per liter, is pretty impressive.

I followed it pretty closely and it is almost alllll Subie for the important aspects. 100hp/L is always nice to see (Si,S2K fan) but it's nothing notable anymore.

[2_Liter_Turbo]

The BRZ/FRS is a Subaru FB based block (current STI), but with an 86mm bore and stroke like an SR20 (most subaru motors are over square). The heads were done by Yamaha (who does most of toyota's performance based engines such as the 4age, 3sgte, 2jz, etc), and a Toyota based fuel injection system. The 6 spd transmission and rear lsd is from a Lexus IS350. The suspension is based heavily off of the impreza. Both companies are heavy into this car.

On paper, it's a great car, and time will tell if that will be confirmed. If I were to buy new, that would be the car I'd get.

[Razi]

Also Toyota recasted the engine block and worked with Yamaha to rework the acoustics so it sounds and feels better and different.

For some people the power might be too low, but this isn't a car about numbers.
Although, the mounting points are supposed to be the same as the EJ20 (not sure if they followed through for the production model), so you can swap over if you want more power.

[Bubba1]

Also Toyota recasted the engine block and worked with Yamaha to rework the acoustics so it sounds and feels better and different.

For some people the power might be too low, but this isn't a car about numbers.
Although, the mounting points are supposed to be the same as the EJ20 (not sure if they followed through for the production model), so you can swap over if you want more power.

Looking at the new Celica...er...BRZ/FRS, the "backseats" seem much like a typical Japanese sporty coupe, that is, rear seats mostly for show and not comfortable for anyone much over the age of 6.

[2_Liter_Turbo]

And insurance rates, lol. I have opened up my criteria to AWD cars, but they still have to get decent fuel economy, ha ha.

[Bubba1]

And insurance rates, lol. I have opened up my criteria to AWD cars, but they still have to get decent fuel economy, ha ha.

You're gonna have a hard finding a 30+ mpg AWD, plus most run on premium fuel.

Perhaps I'm old, but I've never quite understood why so many folks feel the only fun to drive cars are RWD. My wife's DD is a FWD (pre smiley face nose)TSX. It's peppier than a 240sx, (well, okay that's not saying much , tossable handling, has real rear seats, is comfortable on long trips, has a decent trunk, all the luxury goodies, gets in the 30's mpg, is Japanese with a proven above-average reliability rating. They are also plentiful, in your price range, and unlike a 240sx, has cupholders. I enjoy driving it and I'm a pretty hard core enthusiast.

[2_Liter_Turbo]

An Evo 9 will get about 28mpg on the hwy, so I'd be able to settle for that. I've owned 10 FWD (7 of them being honda/acura) cars, and they just don't do the trick for me, lol. AWD and RWD are fun for me, FWD is a bore.

[Bubba1]

An Evo 9 will get about 28mpg on the hwy, so I'd be able to settle for that. I've owned 10 FWD (7 of them being honda/acura) cars, and they just don't do the trick for me, lol. AWD and RWD are fun for me, FWD is a bore.

Based on the Evo owners I know, 28mpg is a bit optimistic. It's a very fun car but not ideal for long commutes.

[Rex]

Used AWD TDI of some sort.

I think that's about the only way you're going to see 30 mpg and AWD.

[nick1809]

i would go infiniti G-series. they're great cars. Z's with bigger rear seats. and they come in AWD and sedan. (granted, the Coupes are WAY better looking. :P) plus, its mid range in price so you can still have cash to do a few tasteful mods like exhaust and intake and springs. insurance isnt terrible because it isnt listed as a "sports Car" yet still goes fast and gets okay mpg.